B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth: Gods 2 of 3

What’s Gotham City without Batman? What’s Asgard without Thor? What’s the New York Sewers without Raphael? What’s KISS without Gene Simmons? The X-Men without Wolverine?

Some would say “Not worth looking at,” but to the right writer these places have the potential to become a rich landscape for storytelling.

So when Hellboy decided to leave the B.P.R.D. in Hellboy: Conqueror Worm #4 way back in August 2001, people could be forgiven for overlooking a B.P.R.D. book without Hellboy as its front man.

But in the last few years, the various B.P.R.D. mini series have become just as interesting, action packed, and thought-provoking as the adventures of the blue collar demon.

Hit the jump for more…

B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth: Gods #2 opens with a defiant Abe Sapien being dressed-down by Kate Corrigan, (current field director) over his grudge with Andrew Devon (one of the newest B.P.R.D. field agents). From there we’re given an alternative world history lesson before Abe and Andrew are sent on location to investigate this series’ paranormal activity and the set up for what promises to be issue #3’s action-packed finale.

The writing team of Mike Mignola and John Arcudi is spot on. Not only do they weave multi-layered stories with a story arc tying all the B.P.R.D. minis together, they manage to capture the voice of each character. Instead of writing for “types” (e.g. the team brute, the team brain, the villain) that a lot of today’s comic writer’s use, Mignola and Arcudi actually make you believe you’re listening to Abe and company speak.

Now I’ll be the first to say that Guy Davis’ art isn’t for everyone, but I think his sketchy and gritty style really suits the stories and characters set in the world of Hellboy.

All in all, I think B.P.R.D. is one of the best books being published today. To me, this is what comic books are all about. Not muscle-bound dudes in tights, not big-boobed women wearing next to nothing, and not villains spouting monologues (not that there’s anything wrong with these things, they have their place). But B.P.R.D. is simply great storytelling and well-rounded characters.